Join Project Free on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 16:00 (4:00 pm) for a conversation exploring how arts and culture can enhance children’s and young people’s engagement and achievement in their learning and also contribute to a wider transformation of the curriculum, the pedagogy practised in our settings and address social and racial justice issues.
We will hear from:
Anwar Akhtar – The Samosa Media
Anwar was previously Director of The Rich Mix Centre, where he led the development of the £30 million arts centre in East London. He co-produced the film Pakistan’s Best Kept Secret: Lahore Museum and was the production consultant for the Moghul history play Dara, at The National Theatre UK. The first South Asian history play adapted from Urdu and performed in English on a main stage at the National Theatre and filmed for National Theatre Live. Anwar presented a BBC Radio 4 Documentary, Schools Apart, that explores inclusion, belonging and curriculum diversity in UK schools.
Frances Akinde – Education Consultant
Frances is a qualified SENCO, former headteacher of a Special School for learners with Autism and associated difficulties, Art & Design Technology teacher, SLCN advisory teacher, local authority work as a SEND inspector and advisor.
Frances left headship and now uses her lived experiences to offer training and support to ensure that our schools and workplaces are genuinely inclusive. She founded InclusionHT with the goal of sharing her knowledge and experience.
Her book, Be An Ally, Not a Bystander, was released in October 2024. Her second book, ‘Intersectionality, Race & SEND: Conversations for Advocacy and Change’, is out soon.
Melody Triumph – The Black Curriculum
Melody is the Learning and Development Programme Lead at The Black Curriculum. She is also a writer, educator and a Roundhouse Poetry Collective 2023/2024. She has collaborated with a variety of publishers, including NeonSquid, DK Books and authored one of three books (Places) for The Black Curriculum’s first book series.
All the speakers/organisations are part of The Global Education Collective.
